Oat Hulls Research Articles

Effect of Oat Hull as a Source of Insoluble Dietary Fibre on Changes in the Microbial Status of Gastrointestinal Tract in Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of oat hull (0–3%) and high amounts of cereal grains to the diets of broiler chickens in terms of the development of the upper gastrointestinal tract, and individual microbial counts in the crop and ileum, and the effect of dietary fibre fractions on microbial changes from the beak to the ileum. The addition of 3% oat hull increased the weights of the proventriculus and gizzard, thereby improving the gizzard barrier function. The presence of dietary fibre and hemicelluloses in diets increased the total aerobic microbial count and Lactobacillus spp. bulk in the crop. The presence of insoluble dietary fibre in the diet decreased the total aerobic microbial count and increased the E. coli count in the crop. In the ileum, insoluble dietary fibre decreased the E. coli count and soluble dietary fibre decreased the total combined yeast and mould count.This study aimed to determine the effect of the addition of oat hull (0–3%) and high amounts of cereal grains to the diet of broiler chickens in terms of the development of the upper gastrointestinal tract, individual microbial counts in the crop and ileum, and the effect of dietary fibre fractions on microbial changes from the beak to the ileum. In the 28 d trial, 162 one-day-old Hubbard Flex male chickens with an average body weight of 44.5 g were randomly allocated to 27 metabolic cages. The experiment consisted of a randomised, one factorial ANCOVA design composed of a covariate with two ANOVA factorial designs containing nine treatments (3 × 3): three sources of cereal grains (maize, wheat, and barley, with a minimum amount of 500 g · kg−1, each with nine replications) and three levels of oat hull (0, 1, and 3%, each with nine replications). At the end of the study, 81 chickens (9 in each treatment) were slaughtered to determine the weight of the individual organs and characterise the intestinal microbiota. The application of 3% oat hull to the cereal diets increased the weight of the proventriculus and the gizzard (6.3 and 27.3 g, respectively) in comparison to diets without the addition of this structural component (6.0 and 23.7 g). Higher crop counts of total aerobic microbes (6.29 log CFU · g−1) and Lactobacillus spp. (4.05 log CFU · g−1) were observed in diets containing wheat grain compared with maize (4.62 and 3.55 log CFU · g−1, respectively). The main reason for the microorganism’s growth (p < 0.05) was the amount of soluble dietary fibre and hemicelluloses present in the diet: total aerobic microbial count (respectively r = 0.918 and r = 0.816) and Lactobacillus spp. (respectively r = 0.416 and r = 0.442). Barley diets decreased (p < 0.05) E. coli counts in the ileum (2.69 log CFU · g−1) vs. maize and wheat diets (3.41 and 3.45 log CFU · g−1, respectively), mainly due to the increase in the amount of insoluble dietary fibre in the diet (r = −0.462). Reduced total yeast and mould counts in the ileum were also observed (p < 0.05) in connection with the presence of soluble dietary fibre and hemicelluloses in diets (r = −0.397 and −0.398, respectively).

Effect of Biochar from Oat Hulls on the Physical Properties of Asphalt Binder.

The purpose of this study was to verify the feasibility of using biochar from oat hulls (BO) as a potential bio-modifier to improve the physical properties of conventional asphalt binder. The BO and asphalt binder were characterized by confocal (fluorescence) laser microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Then, an asphalt binder modification procedure was established and modifications with 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% of BO on the weight of the asphalt binder were evaluated, using a particle size < 75 µm. The physical properties of the evaluated modified asphalt binder with BO were: rotational viscosity in original and aged state, aging index, Fraass breaking point, softening point, penetration, penetration rate and storage stability. The results indicated that the BO has a porous structure, able to interact with the asphalt binder by C=O and C=C bonds. In addition, modification of the asphalt binder with BO increases the rotational viscosity related to high-temperature rutting resistance. The results obtained from the Fraass breaking point and softening point indicated that the use of BO extends the viscoelastic range of the asphalt binder. In addition, the evaluated modifications present low susceptibility to aging and good storage stability.

Hydrogen-rich gas production from hydrothermal gasification of fuel pellets obtained from co-pelletization of agricultural residues

Hydrothermal gasification of fuel pellets obtained from co-pelletized agricultural residues such as barley straw, canola hull and oat hull was performed in a batch reactor. The effects of process conditions such as temperature (300–500 °C), reaction time (20–60 min) and feed-to-water mass ratio (1:05–1:15) were investigated to optimize the gasification process for large gas yields. The maximum yield of gas was attained at the temperature, reaction time and feed-to-water mass ratio of 500 °C, 60 min and 1:10, respectively. The highest hydrogen gasification efficiency (113%), hydrogen selectivity (52%), cold gasification efficiency (41%) and heating value of gas (920 kJ/Nm3) were found for the hydrothermal gasification of canola hull pellet at the optimal conditions. The temperature was the most paramount variable followed by reaction time and feed-to-water mass ratio. Physicochemical characterization of hydrochar produced at higher gasification temperatures revealed higher carbon content, thermal stability, alkalinity and structural deformity. The liquid products obtained from hydrothermal gasification of canola hull pellets also showed the presence of partially degraded or reformed organic compounds, which can be extracted as precursors for value-added chemicals.

Fiber-rich ingredients obtained from agroindustrial residues through combined hydrothermal-chemical processes

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the composition and techno-functional properties of fiber-rich ingredients that were obtained from three agroindustrial residues (oat, soybean, and coffee hulls) through a one-step hydrothermal-chemical combined process. The residues were subjected to an alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment (2%, pH 11.5) combined with a hydrothermal treatment in an autoclave (121 °C/30 min/1.5 atm). Ash, protein, and lipid contents decreased for all residues, and total (up to 86 g/100 g) and insoluble dietary (up to 83 g/100 g) fiber contents increased for all processed residues. All treated samples exhibited an increase in hydration capacity, with values ranging from 5.2 to 6.6 g/g of water absorption capacity and 5.6 to 5.7 g/g of swelling capacity. The one-step process was efficient in improving the nutritional and techno-functional quality of the residues of oat, soybean, and coffee, and it can be considered a promising alternative for future obtaining of new fiber-rich ingredients.

PSXVI-10 Influence of Carbohydrate Rich co-Products and Fiber on Growth Performance and fat Quality in Finishing Pigs

Abstract In recent years, different strategies have been undertaken to reduce feed cost including incorporation of co-product. However, addition of large quantity of co-product can influence meat quality, especially fat quality. The main objective of the present study was to assess the effect of feeding high dairy/carbohydrate diets on growth performance and fat quality in finishing pigs.A total of 36 pigs [Yorkshire x Landrace(xDuroc)] were raised in commercial diets up to 75kg. At this time, pigs were distributed in six dietary treatments applied for 4 weeks. First three treatments were: a control diet (C) consisting of a corn-soybean meal diet, 25CoP containing 25% co-products (sucrose, whey and bakery meal) and 50CoP containing 50% co-products. Three other diets were formulated from 50CoP and supplemented with three sources of fiber: oat hull (50Oat),soy hull (50Soy) and wheat middling (50 Midd). Feed intake and average daily gain were recorded. After 4 weeks, pigs were slaughtered and a 5-cm strip of backfat was taken from each animal. A measurement of thermodynamic characteristics (melting behavior and solid fat content) were determined by differential scanning calorimetry. ADG and ADFI were reduced in 25CoP compared with 50CoP with intermediary value for C (P&amp;lt; 0.05). 50Soy had decreased ADFI while 50Oat had greater feed conversion than 50CoP (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Only meat lean yield tended to be increased in 25CoP and 50Soy compared with 50CoP (P&amp;lt; 0.09). Melting point onset and maximum were higher in 50CoP compared with C and 25CoP (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Fiber supplementation reduced these melting points compared with 50CoP (P&amp;lt; 0.01). Proportion of fat melted at -5°C and 5°C was decreased in 50CoP compared with C and 25CoP. Fiber increased these proportions of melted fat (P&amp;lt; 0.01). This project shows that diet containing around 50% of rich carbohydrate co-product can negatively affect fat quality and fiber supplementation to reach 12% NDF restore the fat quality.

Sprouting and Hydrolysis as Biotechnological Tools for Development of Nutraceutical Ingredients from Oat Grain and Hull

Oat consumption has increased during the last decade because of the health benefits associated with its soluble dietary fiber (β-glucan), functional proteins, lipids, and the presence of specific phytochemicals, such as avenanthramides. Oat is consumed mainly as whole grain, and the hull (seed coat), comprising 25–35% of the entire grain, is removed, generating a large amount of waste/by-product from the milling industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of biotechnological strategies, such as sprouting for oat grain (OG) and hydrolysis for oat hull (OH), to enhance antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and lower the glycemic index (GI). Sprouting produced significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in free (32.10 to 76.62 mg GAE (100 g)−1) and bound phenols (60.45 to 124.36 mg GAE (100 g)−1), increasing significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the avenanthramide (2c, 2p and 2f) soluble phenolic alkaloid content and anti-inflammatory properties of OG. On the other hand, the hydrolysis of OH using Viscoferm (EH2-OH) and Ultraflo XL (EH21-OH) increased by 4.5 and 5-fold the release of bound phenols, respectively; meanwhile, the use of Viscoferm increased the 4.55-fold soluble β-glucan content in OH, reaching values close to those of OG (4.04 vs. 4.46 g (100 g)−1). The study shows the potential of both strategies to enhance the nutritional and bioactive properties of OG and OH and describes these processes as feasible for the industry to obtain an ingredient with high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Single or combined biotechnological tools can be used on oat grains and hulls to provide nutraceutical ingredients.

Properties of Oat and Barley Hulls and Suitability for Food Packaging Materials

ABSTRACT The fiber length, chemical composition, and mycototoxins of oat and barley hulls were analyzed in order to study the suitability to utilize hulls for paper and paperboard manufacturing. Oat fibers were observed to be slightly longer than those of barley (0.80 ± 0.19 mm and 0.51 ± 0.17 mm, respectively). There were no differences in the composition of the hemicellulose sugars, with the predominance of xylose and glucose. The amount of Klason lignin in oat and barley hulls was at almost the same level (23% and 25% of dry weight, respectively). Guaiacyl (G) units derived from coniferyl alcohol dominated as shown by pyrolysis-GC-MS. To achieve fibrillation beneficial for the papermaking, oat and barley hulls were refined with a disc refiner. Oat hulls were observed to be harder than barley hulls. This affected both calendering and the appearance of the sheets produced. Laboratory sheets were prepared in a sheet-former with different percentage of softwood pulp and oat and barley hulls. Hull-containing paper mostly met the same quality requirements as the commercial paper except for the burst strength in sheets containing either species’ hulls, and the tensile strength in sheets containing barley hulls.

Bioprocess development of 2, 3-butanediol production using agro-industrial residues

The valorization of agricultural and industrial wastes for fuel and chemical production benefits environmental sustainability. 2, 3-Butanediol (2,3-BDO) is a value-added platform chemical covering many industrial applications. Since the global market is increasing drastically, production rates have to increase. In order to replace the current petroleum-based 2,3-BDO production, renewable feedstock's ability has been studied for the past few decades. This study aims to find an improved bioprocess for producing 2,3-BDO from agricultural and industrial residues, consequently resulting in a low CO2 emission bioprocess. For this, screening of 13 different biomass samples for hydrolyzable sugars has been done. Alkali pretreatment has been performed with the processed biomass and enzyme hydrolysis performed using commercial cellulase. Among all biomass hydrolysate oat hull and spruce bark biomass could produce the maximum amount of total reducing sugars. Later oat hull and spruce bark biomass with maximum hydrolyzable sugars have been selected for submerged fermentation studies using Enterobacter cloacae SG1. After fermentation, 37.59 and 26.74 g/L of 2,3-BDO was obtained with oat hull and spruce bark biomass, respectively. The compositional analysis of each step of biomass processing has been performed and changes in each component have been evaluated. The compositional analysis has revealed that biomass composition has changed significantly after pretreatment and hydrolysis leading to a remarkable release of sugars which can be utilized by bacteria for 2,3-BDO production. The results have been found to be promising, showing the potential of waste biomass residues as a low-cost raw material for 2,3-BDO production and thus a new lead in an efficient waste management approach for less CO2 emission.Graphical

BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL FORMULATED WITH OAT HULLS IN THE COMPOSTING PROCESS OF HOUSEHOLD ORGANIC WASTE AND TREE PRUNING

With attractive research and development of new biodegradable polymers and their packaging applications, there is a need to address their environmental performance. This study aimed to evaluate the compostability of biodegradable materials (BM) produced with cassava starch, glycerol, poly (lactic) acid (PLA), and oat hulls to compost organic waste. The composting was carried out in 100 L reactors, 30 L of which were occupied with household organic waste and 66 L with tree pruning. The process was monitored for 60 days using the following parameters: temperature, C/N ratio, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, pH, electrical conductivity, series of solids, humidity, and reduction in mass and volume. At the end of the experiment, the degradation of the BM was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the SEM images, cracks, voids, and irregular surfaces were observed, which did not exist in the BM before composting. The degradation of BM occurred, and their presence did not interfere in the composting process or the final compost's quality.

Effect of beak trimming at hatch and the inclusion of oat hulls in the diet on growth performance, feed preference, exploratory pecking behavior, and gastrointestinal tract traits of brown-egg pullets from hatch to 15 weeks of age

The influence of infrared beak trimming at hatch (IRBT) and the inclusion of oat hulls (OH) in the diet on growth performance, feed preference, exploratory pecking behavior, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development, was studied in brown-egg pullets from 0 to 15 wk of age. The experimental design was completely randomized with 4 treatments arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial with IRBT (sham vs. treated) and OH inclusion (0 vs. 3%) as main effects. Each treatment was replicated 20 times and the experimental unit was a cage with 10 pullets. Feed intake (FI), BW gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), energy intake (EI, kcal AMEn/d), and energy conversion ratio (ECR, kcal AMEn/g of BW gain) were determined by feeding period (0 to 6, 7 to 10, and 11 to 15 wk of age) and cumulatively. Particle size preference was measured at 7 wk and exploratory pecking behavior of the pullets and at 8 to 14 wk of age. From 0 to 6 wk of age, beak trimming decreased FI (P < 0.01) and increased pullet mortality (P < 0.001) but did not affect BW gain. From 0 to 15 wk of age, OH inclusion improved BW uniformity (P = 0.090) but impaired FCR (P < 0.05) without showing any effect on BW gain or ECR. Preference for coarse particles was greater for the sham than for the treated pullets. Beak trimming and OH feeding reduced (P < 0.05) the exploratory pecking behavior of the pullets from 8 to 12 wk of age but not thereafter. Oat hulls increased the relative weights of the full gizzard and intestines at all ages (P < 0.05). In summary, beak trimming did not affect pullet performance at 15 wk of age or GIT development at any age. Oat hulls improved GIT development at all ages but did not affect BW or ECR. Both beak treatment and OH inclusion affected particle size preference and reduced the exploratory pecking behavior of the birds.

Diet dilution and feeding frequency have only minor effects on the behaviour of broiler breeder pullets

During the rearing period, broiler breeders are feed restricted to prevent the negative impact of fast growth and high body weight on health and reproduction. Feed restriction causes frustration and stress, resulting in stereotypic pecking and hyperactivity. Nutritional strategies have the potential to reduce these welfare issues. Using a 2 × 2 factorial completely randomized block design, pullets were fed with two diet densities and two feeding frequencies during rearing. From 3–23 weeks of age (WOA), pullets received either a standard control diet (CON) or a 16% diluted diet (DIL) containing oat hulls. These diets were provided either once (FO) or twice (FT) a day. After 23 WOA, all pullets received the same standard layer diet once a day. Home pen behaviour was observed by scan sampling at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 39 WOA over eight observation sessions. Furthermore, pullets were subjected to Novel Food Tests (12 and 17 WOA) and Novel Object Tests (5, 10, 15 and 20 WOA). Minor treatment effects were found for foraging and sitting behaviour that varied with age during rearing. Feeding frequency influenced the behavioural patterns of all home pen behaviours (P < 0.001; object pecking P = 0.034), while diet dilution only affected the expression of foraging behaviour during the day (P = 0.007). In all treatment groups, many pullets were observed standing and walking in anticipation of the first meal. After the first meal and before the second meal, more FT pullets were observed standing and walking, while during and after the second meal more FO pullets were observed sitting and performing comfort behaviour. Feeding twice a day resulted in lower daily peaks in drinking behaviour. In the laying period, when all birds received the same layer diet at the same frequency, those who were fed twice daily during rearing foraged more than those who were fed once (P = 0.028) and birds that received a diluted diet during rearing tended to drink more than birds that received the control diet (P = 0.083). Few treatment effects were found in the Novel Food and Novel Object Tests, indicating that diet dilution and/or feeding frequency, as applied here, did not affect fearful behaviour or the motivation to explore. In conclusion, this study showed that neither diet dilution, twice-daily feeding, or the combination of these, improved broiler breeder welfare during rearing and laying. Some changes in the pattern of home pen behaviour were found that indicated a response to the frequency of food provisioning.

Effect of Replacing Cellulose With Primarily Insoluble Fiber on the Microbiome and Short Chain Fatty Acids, and Fecal Calprotectin in Mice Fed a High Fat Diet

ObjectivesMost semi-purified rodent diets contain only cellulose as the fiber source, and do not provide diverse fermentable substrates for the gut microbiota. The focus of this work was to determine how replacing cellulose with a mix of cereal fiber, pectin and beta-glucan affected the gut microbiota, short chain fatty acids, and fecal calprotectin in C57BL/6 mice.MethodsUsing a suggested, one day, adequate fiber human diet from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), the relative proportions of cellulose (57%), hemicellulose (20%), lignin (4%), pectin (15%) and beta-glucan (4%) were estimated using a food composition database. A combination of oat hull fiber, pectin and beta-glucan was added to a 45% kcal from fat rodent diet to provide these fiber sources at the typical US nutrient density (9g/1000 kcal), or at the IOM recommended level (14 g/1000 kcal). Mice were fed the experimental diets for 16 weeks. Cecal and fecal samples were collected at the end of the study and the microbiome was determined by 16S rRNA sequencing, short chain fatty acids by GC-FID, and fecal calprotectin by ELISA.ResultsThere were no differences in weight gain, final weight, and lean mass, but for mice fed the low fiber diet there was a trend for lower % fat mass (p = 0.08). There were no differences in either alpha or beta diversity in the cecal or fecal microbiome samples. According to the Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe), at the genus level, the DIO diet was characterized by Lactococcus, the high fiber diet by Allobaculum, and the low fiber diet by Enterococcus. There were no significant differences in cecal SCFAs, but there was a trend for mice fed the high fiber diet to have more acetate (p = 0.053) and less isobutyrate (p = 0.06) and isovalerate (p = 0.07). There were no differences in empty cecum weight nor colon length. However, mice fed the low fiber diet had significantly more fecal calprotectin than mice fed the DIO or high fiber diets (p < 0.01).ConclusionsAdding a blend of purified fibers to the DIO diet resulted in few effects on the microbiome composition or metabolism. However, there was a trend for mice fed the higher fiber to have less body fat. In addition, increasing the fiber intake from typical US levels to those recommended by the IOM was associated with less gut inflammation, as measured by calprotectin.Funding SourcesFunded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Effect of Optimizing Fiber Intake of Mice on Weight Gain, Fat Mass, Oral Glucose and Insulin Tolerance Tests in Mice Fed a High Fat Diet

ObjectivesIn humans, fiber intakes close to recommended levels (14g/1000 kcal, Institute of Medicine (IOM)) are associated with less chronic disease. In most semi-purified rodent diets, the only fiber source is cellulose. The main objective of this work was to determine if substituting a complex fiber blend for cellulose would affect metabolism of mice fed a 45% kcal from fat diet.MethodsTo model a recommended human fiber profile for rodents, the relative proportions of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pectin and beta-glucan were estimated from a one-day meal plan with the recommended fiber level using a food fiber composition database. Subsequently, a mix of oat hull fiber, pectin and beta-glucan was added to a high-fat rodent diet at the typical US intake or at the recommended level (8 g/1000kcal (low), 14 g/1000 kcal (high)). Three groups of C57Bl/6 mice (n = 12) were fed the experimental diets for 16 weeks. The third diet was also high fat but only contained cellulose. Body composition was measured by MRI at weeks 7 and 14. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) and insulin tolerance tests (ITT), were conducted at weeks 8 and 15 (OGTT) and week 16 (ITT).ResultsThere were no differences in final weight or weight gain in mice between the groups. There was a trend for mice fed the low complex fiber profile diet to have a higher body fat percentage than mice fed the other groups (p = 0.08). However, there were no differences in fasting glucose at week 8 or 15, and no significant differences in OGTT or ITT between the groups.ConclusionsRodent models are used extensively to investigate the role of nutrients in maintaining metabolic health and the prevention of chronic disease. These results indicate that exogenous fiber added to a high fat, semi-purified rodent diet does not improve body composition or glucose metabolism in mice.Funding SourcesThe National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

PSIII-14 Early Introduction of Structural Fiber Improves Growth Performance and Gut Health of Nursery Pigs

Abstract Structural fiber inclusion in post-weaning piglet feeds has been previously demonstrated to improve growth performance and gut health. The objective of this study was to determine whether a pre-weaning inclusion of structural fiber (STR) would bring added value to piglet performance and gut health and if the potential benefits could be maintained at a later stage. A total of 26 litters, were creep fed either a control or high STR diet (HSTR; 4% oat hulls) for 10 d before weaning. Upon weaning, a total of 240 pigs (body weight: 6.7 ± 0.5 kg, 5 pigs/pen, 12 pens/treatment) of mixed sex, blocked by body weight, were randomly allocated to either a control or HSTR diet for 2 weeks. The experimental treatments were as follows, depending on pre- and post-weaning dietary intervention: control/control; control/HSTR; HSTR/control; and HSTR/HSTR. Oat hulls were added to expense of corn starch to produce the HSTR treatment diet. Diets were adjusted with wheat and soy oil to achieve equal amount crude protein and SID Lysine but had up to 40 kcal net energy difference. Pigs were fed a common diet for the rest of nursery phase. Data were analyzed by general linear model in R. Results indicated pig performance was not different at weaning. Addition of STR in the pre-weaning phase increased average daily gain in the last post-weaning phase (P &amp;lt; 0.05), regardless of the post-weaning diets (Table 1). When HSTR was fed both in the pre and early post-weaning phase, greater fermentation (indicated by numerically greater butyrate and caproate concentration in colon digesta) was observed at 21 d post-weaning. In conclusion, providing HSTR during pre-weaning phase improves performance during later nursery phase and if STR is used both pre- and post-weaning, gut fermentation is affected.

149 Effect of Dietary Structural Fiber and Fermentable Protein on Growth Performance in Post-Weaning Pigs

Abstract Excessive protein fermentation in the hind gut is harmful to piglet gut health. Addition of fermentable fiber has been used as a mitigating strategy. However, the impact of structural fiber (STR) and its interactive effect with fermentable protein (FP) are less studied. In the present study, in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement setting, 240 weaned pigs with initial body weight of 6.9 ± 1.1 kg (6 mixed sex pigs/pen, 10 pens/treatment) were allotted in a randomized complete block design to 1 of the following diets: low STR, low FP (control); low STR, high FP; high STR, low FP or high STR, high FP diet. A standard corn-soy based nursery diet was used as control. The treatment diets were supplemented with either oat hulls to increase STR or canola meal to increase FP level. Experimental diets were fed during the first 3 weeks post-weaning and followed by a common diet for the rest of nursery phase. Data was analyzed by general linear model in R. In summary, STR significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) during week 1 (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and in the entire nursery phase (P = 0.01) and tended to increase average daily feed intake (ADFI) during these periods (P &amp;lt; 0.10) (Table 1). Interaction effect tended to be different (P &amp;lt; 0.10) on ADG and ADFI during week 3 post-weaning, with pigs fed with high STR, high FP diet having higher ADG and ADFI numerically compared with the same level FP but lower STR treatment. An interaction effect was observed on gain:feed (G:F) for entire nursery phase (P = 0.05), where high STR, low FP diet resulted in numerically highest G:F. Conclusively, high STR improves performance during entire nursery phase and when dietary FP is high, increasing STR may alleviate the negative impact on performance.

Complementary effects of torrefaction and pelletization for the production of fuel pellets from agricultural residues: A comparative study

Torrefaction is an effective technique to produce high quality coal-like material, which can be used as a substitute of coal in combustion or gasification processes. Combination of torrefaction and pelletization can be a promising technique for production of fuel pellet for long term storage and overseas transportation without deterioration of its quality. In the current study, two production pathways (I: co-pelletization of torrefied biomass, II: torrefaction of biomass pellet) have been compared in terms of fuel pellet quality (physical, mechanical, thermal, and hydrophobicity). Characteristics of pellets produced via co-densification of canola hull, oat hull with mustard meal were investigated. Although up to 75 wt% of oat hull/canola hull was successfully pelletized with mustard meal, 50:50 ratio of oat hull/ canola hull: mustard meal was optimum ratio based on pellet properties. Co-pelletization of torrefied biomass with raw biomass makes competitive quality pellet without use of external additives, high temperature and high pressure. Additionally, the higher heating value, energy density, hydrophobicity increased, and atomic ratios (H/C and O/C) decreased after torrefaction in both cases. Synchrotron-based computed tomography showed that porosity and diameter of cavity enlarged significantly for torrefied pellet than that for pellet produced from torrefied biomass. However, the moisture uptake rate for torrefied pellet is lower than that for torrefied biomass pellet. Higher heating values of pellet were more or less similar for pellets obtained from both pathways. In terms of energy consumption throughout the whole procedure, scheme II is slightly more intense as it requires more energy during grinding while scheme I requires more energy for pelleting. Therefore, co-pelletization of torrefied biomass was more effective considering overall energy consumption and fuel pellet product quality.

Chemical Modification of Cellulose Using a Green Route by Reactive Extrusion with Citric and Succinic Acids

Cellulose is a natural, unbranched, and fibrous homopolymer that is a major component in several agroindustrial residues. The aim of this study was to extract cellulose from oat hulls and then to modify it using a green route to obtain esterified cellulose through reaction with organic acids employing the reactive extrusion process, which is a process that presents some advantages, including low effluent generation, short reaction times, and it is scalable for large scale use. Citric (CA) and succinic (SA) acids were employed as esterifying agents in different concentrations (0, 5, 12.5, and 20%). Modified cellulose samples were characterized by their degree of substitution (DS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (DRX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), wettability, oil and water absorption capacities, and thermal stability. DS of modified samples ranged from 2.28 to 3.00, and FTIR results showed that the esterification occurred in all samples for both acids by observation of important bands at 1720 and 1737 cm−1 for samples modified with CA and SA, respectively. All modified samples presented increased hydrophobicity. The modification did not have an influence on the morphological structure or crystallinity pattern of all samples. This study proved to be possible to modify cellulose using a simple and ecofriendly process based on reactive extrusion with organic acids.

Continuous bioreactor bioprocess using immobilized Spathaspora passalidarum to convert hydrolysates of oat and soybean hulls into ethanol

Continuous bioreactor bioprocess using immobilized Spathaspora passalidarum to convert hydrolysates of oat and soybean hulls into ethanol

Design of Sustainable Biomaterial Composite Adsorbents for Point-of-Use Removal of Lead Ions From Water

The uncontrolled release of contaminants into aquatic environments has created the need for improved adsorbent materials for point-of-use (POU) treatment applications to address water security. The goal of this study was to prepare a low-cost sustainable adsorbent material with tailored Pb(II) adsorption properties in aqueous media. Several types of ternary composite adsorbents were prepared that contain chitosan, kaolinite, and a biomass additive (oat hulls or torrefied wheat straw), along with spectral characterization and thermal analysis of the adsorbents. The adsorption properties of the ternary composites with lead nitrate were studied at equilibrium using batch mode and dynamic conditions with a fixed bed column under variable experimental settings [flow rate, bed height, and Pb(II) concentration]. The adsorption capacity at equilibrium in synthetic or tap water was found to depend on the relative composition (wt.%) of additive components in the composite. The optimal composite adsorbent for maximum Pb(II) removal had the following composition (wt.%): chitosan (50%) + kaolinite (10%) + oat hulls (40%). Using this adsorbent, the dynamic adsorption properties with lead nitrate were studied in a fixed bed column at pH 6.5 and 295 K to reveal optimized Pb(II) removal that concur with the results obtained from batch studies. The sustainability of the biocomposite adsorbent was demonstrated with the use of relatively low-cost and locally available materials, whilst achieving favorable Pb(II) adsorption properties. The facile preparation of the optimal biocomposite adsorbent herein is proposed for use as a disposable POU filter media technology for the removal of lead and other multivalent heavy metal cations, including organic contaminants such as cationic dyes and agrochemicals.

Effects of Bio-Based Additives on Fuel Pellet Quality from Oat Hull: Optimization of Additive Concentration and Process Conditions

Effects of Bio-Based Additives on Fuel Pellet Quality from Oat Hull: Optimization of Additive Concentration and Process Conditions